Update 2/22: Mayor Lane Releases History of Community Contacts

Mayor Don Lane — in the most blatant selective cancellation of Oral Communications yet at City Council — denied Robert Norse and several other speakers public speaking time at the close of the January 24th Santa Cruz City Council meeting. The agenda scheduled that public comment period for the end of the afternoon session. As described in a letter from Norse to Lane, Lane adjourned the meeting rather than allow time for people to speak. Lane has not suggested that he will modify this procedure in future meetings.

Robert Norse, a frequent speaker during Oral Communications, states, "While it is foolish to believe that speaking to the Council generally has any meaningful impact on their votes (even if numbers of people speak), it is still important in my view to insist on the right to do so. Also since the proceedings are televised, one is also speaking to the community. This reality sometimes constrains Council members to explain their actions."

Read more | See also: City Manager and Vice-Mayor Stonewall OSC Activists | Police Raid and Destroy Occupy Santa Cruz Encampment in San Lorenzo Park | Courthouse Steps Now Free Speech-Free at Night; SCPD Threats Downtown; Offices Close